William Russell Epperson
Obituary
William Russell Epperson was born June 26, 1940, in West Plains, MO, to William and Jeanne Epperson and died in Tulsa on May 2, 2019, surrounded by family and friends.
Bill graduated from high school in Ulysses, KS, in 1957. After attending York College (NE), Bill transferred to Harding University (AR) and married Linda Hartman in the summer of 1960. He graduated Summa Cum Laude from Eastern New Mexico University in 1961. Awarded a Danforth Fellowship to attend graduate school, he received his PhD from the University of Kansas in 1965. Planning a lifelong commitment to Christian education, Bill returned to York College as a teacher from 1965 – 1967, then furthered his studies in theology at Trinity College, University of Toronto, while also teaching at York University, Toronto.
In 1968, Bill moved with his family to Tulsa, where he had accepted an offer from Oral Roberts University. For the next fifty years, even after stepping back as department head, he worked passionately towards his goal of guiding students in the classical ideals of truth, goodness, and beauty. While at ORU, he spoke at international conferences, received three NEH grants for summer study at Brown University, Johns Hopkins University and the University of Virginia. In 1990, Bill received a Fulbright Fellowship to teach at Pusan University, South Korea. Three times during his tenure at ORU, he received the Teacher of the Year award.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents and brother, John D. Epperson. He is survived by his wife, Linda; his daughters, Mere Marie-Kristen Epperson, Rachel, her husband Mike Denzin, and Shannon Epperson; and his grandchildren, Chelsey, her husband Lane Fleming, Megan, Daisy, and Sophia.
A memorial service will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 11th. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Iron Gate, Trinity Episcopal Church, or the American Diabetes Association.
Events
Tributes & Memories
My favorite professor at ORU. He taught me so much more about thankfulness and satisfaction in Christ than I ever thought I could learn from an English class. I'll forever be grateful for the time I got to spend with him.
Sean Scoggin
Dr. Epperson was my honors English teacher. We tested out of entering Freshman English. The first day, he said, "I'm not going to teach you English. You know English. That is why you are here in this class. Let's discuss. Why are you students in such a hurry?"
Leta Rector
Linda and family-- It has been many years since I last saw you, but I am one of Bill's English major students from the 1970s, and he was one of the most important influences on my academic career, among other things. To be sure, I ended up getting a Ph.D. and and becoming an English professor myself, and he deserves a lot of the credit for that. I have very fond memories of spending time with him in the classroom and elsewhere, including your home, and I remember well his generosity, openness, and sense of humor. There really was no laugh like his when he was thoroughly amused--a kind of stifled whoop that we often strived to produce in him whenever we could. I will miss him, but am thankful for his influence. All the best to you all. Rick Barney
Rick Barney
Dear Linda, family, and friends, Bill was a treasured colleague of mine for 38 years. To me, he epitomized a beautiful mixture at ORU of scholarship, well-roundedness, non-compromising, speaking the truth in love, compassion, commitment, and understanding the depth of God's amazing grace. He will be deeply missed and affectionately remembered. God's Shalom, John
John Korstad
Thank you Dr. Epperson for all your inspiration, kind words, and support. Your laughter, words of wisdom, and kind heart will be missed and cherish by the hundreds of students that you inspired. My prayers and my heart goes out to Dr. Epperson’s family.
Rachel Zsolnai
Dr. Epperson was a guiding light in my own path as a Professor of literature in China and of intercultural studies here in America. He was loving and was gentle and kind and wise and intelligent and often alone in his thoughts. Like Minniver Cheevy a gentleman from another era and like Neighbor Rossicky a generous good man and like Bartelby a man of will among lessers. I love you Bill. Rest in peace. Chris
Christian van Gorder
Since our roommate days at York, bill has been a persistent presence for good in my life, his passing will not change that. My condolences and my love go out to Linda and the family. Bud Stark
Bud Stark
Lit a candle in memory of William Russell Epperson
Deborah Given Kunzë
Such a wonderfully unique man. Always so kind to me from the very beginning of our friendship. Allowed this wife of a coach to teach humanities when he knew nothing at all about my background or experience. Every social event, whether dinner, party, movie, etc. was enriched by his wonderful quirky sense of humor. A truly memorable and unforgettable friend along life's way. With love and prayers to Linda and all the family.
Peggye Enlow
Love and prayers for Dr. Epperson’s family. He was such a wonderful teacher and man. He will be dearly missed. Christ’s love and peace be with you all. Blessings, James
James Kieffer